John Joseph takes plea deal in fatal hit-and-run, sentencing scheduled

 

(Note: This story initially said John Joseph pleaded guilty. He pleaded no contest, which has the same effect as a guilty plea but means he does not admit he committed the crime but that there is enough evidence to convict him. I apologize for the error)

Under the terms of a plea agreement agreed to by the Cherokee County District Attorney's office and Joplin dentist John Joseph, Joseph, whose no contest plea was recorded today in court records, won't be serving much jail time.

Joseph's original charges of leaving the scene of a crash and contributing to a child's misconduct were scrapped and Joseph pleaded no contest to interference with law enforcement, a low-level felony, with a sentencing range of five months to 13 months and/or a $100,000 fine, plus 12 months of post-release supervision.

Joseph was charged for allegedly helping hide the involvement of his son, Rocco Joseph, in the August 19, 2023 hit-and-run that claimed the life of Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena.

What effect the elder Joseph's plea will have on Rocco Joseph's case is unclear.

A status hearing on Rocco Joseph's case was held today, according to court records, with another status hearing scheduled for November 24.

Judge Frederick Maradeth ordered a pre-sentence investigation for John Joseph. Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. November 19.

According to the probable cause statement, surveillance video shows Rocco Joseph's vehicle struck LaTurner at 11:23 p.m. August 19, with Joseph not stopping. Shortly afterward, Joseph called his father and later met with him at the Casey's General Store at 2764 W. 32nd Street in Joplin and after a short time they returned to the scene of the accident.

The probable cause statement indicates the Josephs were captured on surveillance video at the scene of the accident.

The coroner's report estimated LaTurner died eight hours after the Josephs left the scene.

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Surveillance video shows Josephs returning to scene of fatal hit-and-run, leaving again